Taking your first holiday with your dog is exciting and perhaps slightly daunting. Questions about accommodation, travel, what to pack, and how to manage your dog in new environments are completely normal. The good news is that with some preparation, dog holidays are wonderfully rewarding, and the UK is exceptionally dog-friendly.
This guide covers everything first-time dog travellers need to know.
Is Your Dog Ready?
Before Booking
Consider Your Dog's Temperament:
- Comfortable in new environments?
- Travels well in car?
- Settles in unfamiliar places?
- Copes with routine changes?
- Good around other people and dogs?
Not Ready Yet? That's okay. Some dogs need preparation:
- Practice car journeys
- Stay with friends/family overnight
- Visit new places on day trips
- Build confidence gradually
Training Considerations
Helpful Training for Holidays:
- Reliable recall
- Settling in new places
- Car travel comfort
- Basic commands in distracting environments
- Good lead manners
Work On Before Going: Any behaviours that might be problematic on holiday.
Choosing Your First Destination
Good First Destinations
Start with:
- Somewhere not too far (shorter journey)
- Dog-friendly culture
- Good walking from accommodation
- Facilities nearby
- Not too remote
Great First Options:
- Lake District (excellent infrastructure)
- Cornwall (very dog-friendly)
- Norfolk (easy terrain, welcoming)
- Yorkshire (good facilities)
Consider Your Dog
Match destination to dog:
- Active dogs: Walking-focused destinations
- Water-lovers: Lakes or coastal
- Heat-sensitive: Cooler climates or off-season
- Elderly dogs: Gentle terrain
- Nervous dogs: Quieter locations
Choosing Accommodation
First-Timer Recommendations
Self-Catering Cottage: Usually best for first dog holiday.
Why Cottages Work:
- Your own space
- Enclosed garden (look for this)
- No other guests to worry about
- Flexible schedule
- Dog can settle properly
What to Prioritise:
- Enclosed garden (essential)
- Walking from doorstep (helpful)
- Ground floor (easier)
- Good reviews from dog owners
Questions to Ask
Before Booking:
- Is the garden fully enclosed and secure?
- Where can the dog go in the property?
- What are the dog rules?
- Is there extra charge?
- What's nearby for walks?
Hotels and B&Bs
Consider for First Trip: May be more stressful for first-time dog travel.
If Choosing Hotel:
- Confirm dog-friendly room
- Know where dog can go
- Plan meal arrangements
- Expect some restrictions
Planning the Journey
Car Travel
Most first dog holidays involve car travel.
Before the Trip:
- Practice shorter car journeys
- Ensure dog is comfortable
- Try restraint system you'll use
- Identify rest stop locations
Journey Essentials:
- Dog secured safely (legal requirement)
- Water and bowl
- Poo bags
- Towel
- Familiar blanket
- Treats
During Journey:
- Stop every 2 hours minimum
- Toilet and leg-stretch breaks
- Water at each stop
- Never leave dog in car alone
See our Travelling with Dogs guide.
Train Travel
If Travelling by Train:
- Dogs travel free on most UK trains
- Must be on lead or in carrier
- Avoid peak times for first trip
- Bring water and treats
- Practice beforehand if possible
What to Pack
The Essentials
Dog Supplies:
- Food (bring all you need)
- Water bowl and bottle
- Lead (and spare)
- Collar with ID tag
- Poo bags (plenty)
- Dog bed or familiar bedding
- Towels
Documents:
- Vaccination records
- Pet insurance details
- Emergency vet numbers
- Microchip information
Nice to Have
- Favourite toys
- Treats
- First aid kit
- Dog coat (if needed)
- Grooming supplies
- Lint roller
See our Dog Travel Essentials guide.
Managing the First Day
Arrival
When You Arrive:
- Let dog out for toilet break first
- Explore garden/outdoor space together
- Show dog around accommodation
- Set up dog's bed in chosen spot
- Maintain calm atmosphere
First Evening:
- Stick close to normal routine
- Familiar food at usual time
- Evening walk to explore area
- Settle for quiet evening
- Don't expect too much first night
First Night
What to Expect:
- Some dogs settle immediately
- Others take time to adjust
- May be restless first night
- Familiar bedding helps
- Patience required
Tips:
- Keep dog's sleeping area consistent with home
- Familiar blanket with home smells
- Don't make a fuss about bedtime
- Be nearby if dog is anxious
During Your Holiday
Establishing Routine
Dogs Like Routine: Even on holiday, some structure helps.
Create Holiday Routine:
- Consistent meal times
- Regular walk times
- Familiar bedtime routine
- Predictable structure
Activities
Good First Holiday Activities:
- Walks in new areas
- Beach visits
- Pub stops
- Gentle exploration
- Rest and relaxation
Don't Overdo It:
- First holidays are tiring for dogs
- New environments are stimulating
- Rest days are okay
- Watch for tiredness
Managing New Situations
Your Dog May Encounter:
- Other dogs
- New people
- Unfamiliar sounds
- Different environments
Your Job:
- Supervise and support
- Don't put dog in overwhelming situations
- Retreat if dog is struggling
- Build positive experiences
Common First Holiday Concerns
"What If My Dog Won't Settle?"
It Can Take Time:
- First night often hardest
- Most dogs adjust within 24-48 hours
- Familiar items help
- Routine helps
- Patience essential
If Struggling:
- Stay calm yourself
- Don't reinforce anxiety with excessive comfort
- Stick to routine
- Consider shorter first trip next time
"What If My Dog Gets Sick?"
Preparation:
- Research emergency vet locations before going
- Carry pet insurance details
- Pack any regular medications
- Know signs of common problems
- Don't panic
"What If My Dog Escapes?"
Prevention:
- Check garden security before letting off lead
- Use lead in unfamiliar areas
- Ensure ID tag has holiday contact number
- Microchip registered with current details
If It Happens:
- Stay calm
- Search immediate area
- Contact local dog warden
- Post on local social media
- Put up notices
"What If My Dog Misbehaves?"
Reality:
- Some incidents are normal
- Manage situations as they arise
- Remove dog from overwhelming situations
- Don't let one incident ruin holiday
- Learn for next time
After Your First Trip
Reflection
After Returning Home:
- What worked well?
- What would you change?
- How did your dog cope?
- What will you do differently next time?
Building on Success
For Future Trips:
- Increase complexity gradually
- Try different types of destinations
- Extend trip length as confidence grows
- Build on what works
First Holiday Checklist
Before Booking
- Dog comfortable with travel
- Training adequate for holiday
- Right destination chosen
- Dog-friendly accommodation confirmed
Before Leaving
- All supplies packed
- Documents and insurance ready
- Journey planned with stops
- Emergency vet locations noted
On Arrival
- Toilet break first
- Explore outdoor space
- Set up dog's bed
- Evening walk to explore
During Holiday
- Maintain routine
- Watch for tiredness
- Don't overdo activities
- Enjoy the experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a first dog holiday be?
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2-4 nights is ideal for first trip. Long enough to settle, short enough to manage if issues arise.
Should I choose somewhere close to home?
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Helpful but not essential. Shorter journey is easier for first time.
What if my dog hasn't travelled much before?
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Practice car journeys beforehand. Start with day trips. Build up gradually.
Is a cottage better than a hotel for first trips?
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Usually yes. More space, enclosed garden, fewer restrictions. Less pressure.
What if my dog is anxious?
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Bring familiar items. Stick to routine. Don't overwhelm. Consider consulting behaviourist before travel.
Can I take my puppy on holiday?
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Wait until vaccinations complete and puppy settled. Very young puppies may find travel stressful.
Your Adventure Begins
First dog holidays open up wonderful possibilities. With preparation, realistic expectations, and flexibility, you'll create the foundation for years of adventures together.
Don't aim for perfect. Aim for enjoyable. Learn as you go. Each trip gets easier.
Luke remembers his first dog holidays with early pack members. The learning curve was real, but the rewards were greater. Now travels with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly are second nature, built on lessons from those first adventures.
★★★★★
20 global ratings
Top reviews
JC
First trip away with our new puppy and I was clueless. This complete guide walked us through everything - what to pack, how to prepare the dog, choosing the right accommodation, managing the journey. The section on helping them settle in a new place was brilliant. Our cocker spaniel Bailey adapted within a day using the tips.
Helpful
Seller Response
First holidays can be nerve-wracking! So glad Bailey settled quickly. It only gets easier from here - happy travels!
DM
We'd never taken a dog on holiday before adopting our rescue lab Max. This guide made our first trip stress-free. The step-by-step preparation, the realistic expectations, the practical tips - all exactly what first-timers need. Max had a brilliant week in Cornwall and so did we. Thank you!
Helpful
Seller Response
First holidays with rescues are extra special! Max's brilliant Cornwall week sets you up for many more adventures.
ST
Our first dog holiday three years ago was a disaster because we didn't prepare properly. Just found this guide before our latest trip and it covered everything we learned the hard way. Shared it with friends getting their first dog. Essential reading before that first adventure. Would have saved us so much stress!
Helpful
Seller Response
Learning the hard way is tough! So glad you can help your friends skip those mistakes. Passing on knowledge helps everyone.
MR
The pre-trip preparation section was invaluable. Vet check, ID tag update, practice car journeys, getting them used to the travel crate. We did all of this with our springer pup Bella before our Lake District trip. She handled everything because she was prepared. Preparation really is everything.
Helpful
Seller Response
That preparation groundwork makes such a difference! Bella handling everything shows the practice paid off.
EC
The realistic expectations section was really helpful. First holidays aren't always smooth - dogs might be unsettled, routines disrupted, things go differently than planned. Having that realistic mindset meant when our retriever Sunny had one difficult evening, we didn't panic. It was normal, not a disaster.
Helpful
Seller Response
Realistic expectations prevent disappointment! Sunny's difficult evening being handled calmly rather than catastrophised is exactly right.
JH
The accommodation choosing tips were spot on. Secure garden, ground floor access, away from main roads, good walking nearby. We found exactly what the guide suggested for our terrier Archie's first holiday. He had space to play safely and we could relax. Those criteria made all the difference.
Helpful
Seller Response
Ticking those accommodation boxes sets the holiday up right! Archie having that secure space to enjoy is perfect.
RC
The journey management section worked brilliantly. Regular stops, familiar bedding, not feeding right before travel, keeping calm. Our labradoodle Teddy's first long car journey went smoothly. He arrived relaxed instead of stressed. The journey is part of the holiday and this guide understood that.
Helpful
Seller Response
Journey management is so often overlooked! Teddy arriving relaxed sets up the whole week well.
TW
The first night settling tips helped hugely. Where to set up their bed, familiar items, staying calm if they're unsettled, not making a fuss. Our collie pup Scout settled by the second night. Would have panicked without this guide telling us it was normal for the first night to be tricky.
Helpful
Seller Response
First nights can be unsettling for dogs! Scout settling by night two is typical. That patience and calm approach works.
LM
Really comprehensive guide for first-time dog holiday makers. Covered preparation, travel, accommodation, activities, and what to do if things go wrong. Four stars only because some sections felt a bit long, but better too much information than too little for nervous first-timers. Would definitely recommend.
Helpful
Seller Response
Fair point on length - we do try to cover everything! Better over-prepared than under. Thanks for the feedback.
CB
The advice about pacing activities was wise. Don't try to do everything on day one, let the dog adjust, build up gradually. We'd have exhausted our young cockapoo Milo trying to cram everything in. Following the guide's pacing meant he enjoyed each day without being overwhelmed.
Helpful
Seller Response
Pacing prevents exhaustion and overwhelm! Milo enjoying each day sustainably is much better than one exhausting marathon.
HW
The emergency preparation section was reassuring. Local vet numbers, what to pack for first aid, signs of problems to watch for. We didn't need any of it thank goodness, but having that information ready gave us confidence. Being prepared for emergencies means you can relax and enjoy.
Helpful
Seller Response
Emergency prep is hoping you don't need it but being ready. That confidence to relax comes from knowing you're prepared.
SC
The packing list prevented forgotten essentials. Would definitely have forgotten the tick remover, the ID tag with holiday contact, extra poo bags. Our golden retriever Barney had everything he needed because we worked through the list methodically. Simple but so helpful for scatterbrained first-timers like me!
Helpful
Seller Response
Lists save holidays! Barney fully equipped because you ticked everything off. That methodical approach works.
LH
The tips about dog-proofing accommodation on arrival were useful. Check for hazards, identify escape points, find safe zones. We did a quick sweep of our Devon cottage as suggested and found an unsecured gate. Could have been a disaster with our escape-prone beagle Dotty. Quick check, crisis averted.
Helpful
Seller Response
That arrival check is so important! Dotty would definitely have found that gate. Crisis averted by being thorough.
PE
The section on maintaining routines while away was helpful. Keeping meal times similar, having a bedtime routine, predictable walk patterns. Our anxious rescue Storm coped brilliantly with the new environment because familiar routines anchored her. The predictability in unpredictability was key.
Helpful
Seller Response
Routine is an anchor in new environments! Storm coping with change through familiar patterns is great management.
GR
The 'what to do if they won't settle' section was exactly what we needed on night two when our pup Winston was restless. The calm strategies, not making a big deal, trying different approaches. By night three he was fine. Would have panicked without this troubleshooting guide.
Helpful
Seller Response
Night two troubles are common! Winston settling by night three with calm handling is typical. That troubleshooting helped you stay patient.
MP
Our dog had never seen the sea before. The beach introduction tips were perfect - let them approach at their own pace, don't force them in, watch for overwhelm. Our spaniel Daisy went from nervous to swimming within three days. That patient introduction made her a beach lover for life.
Helpful
Seller Response
Daisy's beach conversion in three days is wonderful! Patient introductions create positive associations. Beach lover for life!
SB
Appreciated the returning home section - often overlooked but important. Dogs can be tired, overstimulated, need time to decompress. We gave our boy Max quiet days after our holiday as suggested. He bounced back quicker than when we used to just throw him back into normal routine immediately.
Helpful
Seller Response
Post-holiday decompression is so often missed! Max bouncing back with those quiet days shows the value of that transition time.
JA
Taking two dogs on their first holiday felt daunting. The multi-dog sections helped - separate spaces if needed, managing different energy levels, not expecting them both to react the same. Our springer and our older lab had very different holiday experiences but both positive. Guide helped us manage both.
Helpful
Seller Response
Two dogs with different needs is definitely more complex! Managing them individually while travelling together is a skill.
AW
This guide gave us the confidence to actually book our first dog holiday. We'd been putting it off, worried about everything that could go wrong. The comprehensive preparation made us feel ready. Our retriever Bella's first holiday was a huge success. That confidence to just do it came from this guide.
Helpful
Seller Response
Taking that first step is the hardest part! Bella's successful holiday rewarded your courage. Many more adventures ahead!
KT
Our first holiday using this guide was two years ago. Now we're experienced dog travellers who've been everywhere with our lab Cooper. It all started with this guide giving us the knowledge and confidence to try. Recommend it to everyone getting their first dog. The foundation for a lifetime of adventures.
Helpful
Seller Response
From first-timer to experienced traveller! Cooper's lifetime of adventures started here. That's exactly what we hope for.
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